Diamond Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi – Diamond variant)
 
The Diamond Neon Tetra is a selectively bred variant of the classic Neon Tetra, prized for its extra sparkle and shimmering scales. It combines the familiar bright blue and red neon stripes with a diamond-like iridescence, making it a stunning schooling fish for community aquariums.
 
Care Sheet
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi (diamond strain)
Common Name: Diamond Neon Tetra
Origin: Captive-bred variant – original species native to South America (Peru, Colombia, Brazil)
Max Size: 3–4 cm
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
 
Aquarium Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.0
Hardness: Soft water preferred, 2–8 dGH
Aquascape: Heavily planted aquarium with subdued lighting to bring out colours
 
Diet
Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and small live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms).
Feeding a varied diet will enhance colours and health.
 
Compatibility
Best kept in groups of at least 8–10 for natural schooling behaviour.
Peaceful and ideal for community tanks with rasboras, Corydoras, small dwarf cichlids, and other tetras.
Avoid housing with large or aggressive fish that may see them as prey.
 
Breeding
Egg scatterer with no parental care.
Requires very soft, acidic water and subdued lighting for breeding success.
Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent egg predation.
Fry require infusoria as first food before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.
 
Summary: The Diamond Neon Tetra is a sparkling variant of the classic Neon Tetra, offering extra shimmer and beauty in community aquariums. Best kept in groups, it provides lively schooling action and striking colour in planted setups.